THE operators of Sandbach’s dwindling market say handing control to the town council would be “a major mistake in the current difficult climate.”

Town & Country Markets Ltd has responded to worried shoppers and councillors who say the company’s management of the twice-weekly market has failed, and that Sandbach Town Council should take charge again.

The amount of stalls at the market has dropped dramatically in the past five years.

Company director Ray Gall said: “There is little doubt that traders on Sandbach Market, along with most market traders nationally, are finding earning a good living increasingly difficult.

“Everyone connected with the markets industry would probably agree that increased competition from supermarkets and discount chains is the main factor in declining trader numbers.

“Adverse weather patterns over the past few years have also taken their toll.

“Many existing market traders are unwilling to continue to trade in high winds and torrential downpours which are becoming more prevalent as global warming continues to exert a negative influence on outdoor markets.”

Since 2004 the market has been run in partnership with Congleton Borough Council.

Mr Gall said: “Although the market business is tough in general, our regular traders would agree that we are managing the situation in the most positive way we can.”

“We are doing everything possible to help the market through this difficult time.

“The list is extensive, half-price rents to both encourage new traders and support our existing businesses, a new market layout to help portray a stronger market, positive trader recruitment advertising, public advertising in newspapers, on radio, and in glossy monthly magazines to attract different shoppers.”

He added: “I believe that handing control of the market to inexperienced operators, however well intentioned, would be a major mistake in the current difficult climate.”